S.Korea’s new leader willing to visit North

(BBC) – South Korea’s new leader Moon Jae-in has been sworn in, vowing to address the economy and relations with the North in his first speech as president.

He said that he would even be willing to visit Pyongyang under the right circumstances.

Mr Moon took his oath of office in Seoul’s National Assembly building a day after his decisive win.

The former human rights lawyer and son of North Korean refugees is known for his liberal views.

Tensions on the Korean peninsula remain high and recent weeks have seen the US and Pyongyang trade angry rhetoric as speculation about another nuclear test grows.

Mr Moon has also vowed to unify a divided country reeling from a corruption scandal which saw his predecessor, Park Geun-hye, impeached.

In his inauguration speech, Mr Moon said he would “do everything I can to build peace on the Korean peninsula”.

“If needed I will fly to Washington immediately,” he said. “I will also go to Beijing and Tokyo and even Pyongyang in the right circumstances.”

He added that he would have “serious negotiations” with the US and China over the controversial deployment of anti-missile system Thaad.

North Korea has yet to officially comment on Mr Moon’s victory and remarks. It had previously hinted that Mr Moon was its preferred candidate.

The 64-year-old Democratic Party candidate has also promised to bolster the economy and address youth unemployment, which are key concerns for voters.

Who is Moon?

The son of refugees from North Korea, Mr Moon served in South Korea’s special forces before becoming a human rights lawyer.

Advocates greater dialogue with the North while maintaining pressure and sanctions, in contrast to his predecessor.

Wants to reform South Korea’s family-run conglomerates, known as chaebols, which dominate the economy

Jailed while a student in the 1970s for leading protests against military ruler Park Chung-hee, Ms Park’s father.

He was a top aide to former liberal President Roh Moo-hyun.

Mr Moon has been critical of the two previous conservative administrations, which took a hardline stance against Pyongyang, for failing to stop North Korea’s weapons development.

Since the Korean War ended in an armistice in 1953, there have only been two summits where the leaders of the two Koreas have met, both held in Pyongyang.

Mr Moon spearheaded preparations for the second meeting in 2007, when serving as a presidential aide.

The US, South Korea’s most important ally, has congratulated Mr Moon on his victory.

White House press secretary Sean Spicer said the US looked forward to continuing to “strengthen the alliance” and “deepen the enduring friendship and partnership”.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said their countries faced common challenges “led by responses to the North Korean issue” but they could “further contribute to peace and prosperity of the region by working together”.

President Xi Jinping said he “always attaches great importance to the relationship between China and South Korea”, and that he was “willing to diligently work with”

Mr Moon also visited the National Cemetery this morning to pay his respects to war heroes and past presidents

Final results show Mr Moon took 41.1% of the vote yesterday, while conservative candidate Hong Joon-pyo took 25.5%.

Centrist Ahn Cheol-soo, widely seen as a strong contender, came third with 21.4%.

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Top: Mr Moon was met by supporters and neighbours as he left his house in Seoul today. Photo: Reuters via BBC